Understand the food industry. To become an authentic food writer, you should be aware of how things operate behind the scenes. Understand restaurant business dynamics, the \'food chain\' that allows all things to happen, chef duties, staff responsibilities, daily machinary, menu setting, infrastructure requirements, and every other detail you can lay your hands on.

If possible, work in a restaurant for a few months, no matter what the designation. This will give you a better idea of how the food business works.

Develop your writing skills and style. You may have the most unique palette and food sense, but you will never be able to crack it as a food writer if you are not a master of your communication skills.

Traditionally, communication and journalism courses have ruled the roost as the places of knowledge where one can hone their writing skills. However, newcomers are luckier these days, as today\'s publishers value acumen over degrees. Experience in a culinary field counts higher than a journalism degree for food writing jobs.

However, do not treat this as an excuse to not do your homework. Basics like grammar, writing style and appeal are crucial. Without these, your writing will not be interesting and you will not find placement as a food writer.

Understand the food industry. To become an authentic food writer, you should be aware of how things operate behind the scenes. Understand restaurant business dynamics, the \'food chain\' that allows all things to happen, chef duties, staff responsibilities, daily machinary, menu setting, infrastructure requirements, and every other detail you can lay your hands on.

If possible, work in a restaurant for a few months, no matter what the designation. This will give you a better idea of how the food business works.

Train your palette. While some food writers are gifted with a naturally sensitive palette, others have to learn the fine art of judging food. Thankfully, the information highways are full of interesting literature that will teach you this aspect of food appreciation.

An important point to note here is that food writers must have a wide experience with food. Simply ordering one type of meal, or sticking to a narrow cuisine margin, does not a food writer make.

Your food adventures will teach you the subtle nuances of flavours and seasoning in food. Don’t hesitate to try anything and everything you come across. Complete the experience by vividly recording each experience, so that you don\'t merely leave recall to memory.

Gain knowledge about different cuisines. You can do this in two ways - either choose a specific family of cuisines within which you specialise, or gain mid-level knowledge in all cuisines. Read books by master chefs from around the world and build your culinary vocabulary. Learn about fresh and organic produce from different food regions. Study the art of cooking. No food writer is a bad cook. Study different cuisine cooking from time to time by enrolling in popular chefs\' classes. And don\'t neglect beverages. Get acquainted with different tastes and flavours in drinks, by visiting different wineries, breweries and so on. A good appreciation of drinks is a must for any food writer as his or her reviews would be incomplete without an assessment of the beverages on offer.

Read what other food critics and chefs are writing. No one can sharpen his or her writing skills in isolation. Reading what other food critics and chefs are writing is imperative; even though, every one has his or her own unique style of food writing, you will benefit from observing the different aspects of food being covered on a daily basis. A direct benefit of this habit will be more ideas about food writing.

Build a basic portfolio before demanding a price. This is valuable for several reasons. Editors will want to see samples of your work and for this you will need to build a basic food writing portfolio. You can do this by either starting your own food writing website/blog, or appearing as a guest writer in established magazines, papers, or websites. It\'s even useful to become a regular contributor to review on food websites to get some experience on writing basic restaurant reviews. All you have to do is-

Go to a new restaurant.

Go along with friends, and try and order food from different cuisines. This will add diversity to the kind of food you will be tasting.

Order something different for everyone and taste from each and every dish. Do remember to jot down your immediate reactions, and take several snapshopts of the food on the table.

Also, do remember to pay attention to the ambiance and service. Food writers often work with an extensive checklist, which goes much beyond the general impressiveness of the food.

Now post this review online and remember to contribute to the comments sections!

You can also send the reviews to magazines and newspapers, and start your stint as a freelance food writer.

Diversify your portfolio. If your plan is to become a full-time food writer/critic, then have something substantial to show editors. Include as many articles as you can in your portfolio, which must include your write-ups on a wide range of articles - from chefs, food festivals, wine, restaurants to food product launches, customer service and so on.

Use current social media trends to your advantage by creating Facebook pages, Twitter profiles, Pinterest boards, or well maintained blogs/websites. Use these social networking sites to garner a following. Every editor likes an enterprising food writer who takes his or her passion beyond just appreciating good food.

Apply to newspapers, magazines and websites that you would read. If you are a beginner, get your foot in the door by applying for broader job roles such as lifestyle or health writer. Continue chasing your preferred niche within this broader job role and use each experience to attend seminars, workshops and food festivals.

If you have already worked in the food business, and have been considering a switch from technical skills to content, then approach publishers as a columnist. Build a following by interacting with relevant people from the food industry.

Finally, if you are passionate about food and understand that the profession of food writing involves a lot more than just eating at a new restaurant every week, then you will have a bright food writing future indeed.